Monsters Wanted is a 2013 documentary film that was directed by Brian Cunningham and Joe Laughrey.[1] The film marks the directorial debut of Laughrey and is the first feature-length documentary by Cunningham. The film, which explores the haunted house industry in Louisville, Kentucky, had its world premiere on July 27, 2013, at FandomFest in Louisville.[2] The film was also released on DVD and VOD August 27, 2013.[3]
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Production company | ThoughtFly Films |
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Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
The documentary follows Rich Teachout, a businessman who has quit his job in order to focus on cultivating a unique haunted attraction. Together with Janel Nash, the two will work on building and operating the Asylum Haunted Scream park during its first year of operation. The documentary also follows other haunted attractions in the Louisville area.[4]
Reception edit
Critical reception has been positive.[5] Mark L. Miller of Ain't It Cool News wrote that the end seems like "a five minute filler section out of nowhere" but that he "loved almost every second of Monsters Wanted".[6] Culture Crypt gave the film a score of 75, writing, "The story is disjointed at times, and some of the issues are artificially inflated into problems that are resolved quickly. But the film creates a fun portrayal of how disparate personalities with a similar dream find commonality in their passion. And how commitment and community are the key ingredients that bring their unified vision together."[7] Mania.com gave a favorable review, writing, "You can't help but admire the dedication that the entire staff has in the face of all the problems they encounter and days which last 20 hours. Cunningham and Laughrey do a great job of letting the people tell the story as they stay back and just record the drama. For any horror or haunted house them park fan, this is a fascinating look inside the industry."[8]
Accolades edit
The film won "Best Documentary" at the 2013 Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival,[9] was an official selection at the 2013 Orlando Film Festival,[10] and was the opening night film at the 2014 Transworld Halloween and Attraction Show.[11]
References edit
- ^ Keel, Eli (2013-10-09). "'Monsters Wanted' documents brilliantly the crazy story of outcasts at the Asylum Scream Park". Insider Louisville. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
- ^ Chipman, Melissa (July 23, 2013). "It's a scream: Fandom Fest to premier documentary about Louisville's Asylum Haunted Scream Park". Insider Louisville. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
- ^ Murray, Noel (August 27, 2013). "New on DVD and Blu-ray: 08/27/13". The Dissolve. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
- ^ Frassica, Matt (October 21, 2013). "'Monsters Wanted' film profiles 'crazy' couple behind Asylum haunted attraction". Courier Journal. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
- ^ "MONSTERS WANTED (2013)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
- ^ Miller, Mark L. "AICN HORROR looks at BAD MILO! THE AWFUL DR ORLOF! THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING! ABSENCE! THE GIANT SPIDER! THE MANSON FAMILY/GATOR GREEN! A CHANCE IN HELL! DARK ANGEL! MONSTERS WANTED! & RITUAL (formerly MODUS ANOMALI)!". Ain't It Cool News. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
- ^ "MONSTERS WANTED (2013)". Culture Crypt. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
- ^ Janson, Tim. "Tuesday Terrors: Clive Barker finishes The Scarlet Gospels". Mania.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
- ^ "2013 FLICKERS RI INTERNATIONAL HORROR FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL EVENT". Rhode Island International Horror Film Fest. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
- ^ "SHOWINGS FOR MONSTERS WANTED". Orlando Film Festival. October 18, 2013. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
- ^ Hunt, J. P. (March 10, 2014). "Monsters Wanted Screening at Transworld!". Creepercast. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
External links edit
- Official website
- Monsters Wanted at IMDb
- "MONSTERS WANTED: Director Brian Cunningham Discusses His Latest Film!". Icon vs Icon. August 23, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
